The Western Cape Shotokan Karate Academy in the Helderberg is celebrating the remarkable achievements of eight of its talented students, who excelled at both the provincial and national levels of karate competition.
On Saturday 1 March, they participated at the WUKF SA Western Cape Provincial Tournament in Kuils River. The dedicated athletes showcased their skill and determination, securing impressive results and earning Western Cape colours.
This recognition qualified them to represent the province at the highly anticipated WUKF SA National Championship and Afro-Asia Open, held in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 April.
The students who shone brightly at the provincial tournament were: Graham Chamberlain: (first place in Sanbon Kumite, second place in Ippon Kumite, second place in Kata, and second place in Kobudo Long Weapons); Emma Forbes: (first in Kata and Ippon Kumite, second place in Sanbon Kumite); Marihanke Fourie: (first place in Kata, third place in Nihon Kumite); Dylan Jones: (first place in Kata); Emile Swanepoel (second place in Kata and third place in Sanbon Kumite); Noah Reader: (second place in Kata); Abigail Reader: (third place in Kata and third place in Nihon Kumite); and Reese Olivier (third place in Kata).
Several continued their medal-winning streak at the WUKF nationals and Afro-Asia Open.
The medallists were: Graham Chamberlain (second place in Ippon Kumite); Emma Forbes: (first place in Sanbon Kumite, third place finish in Team Sanbon Kumite, and second place in Team Ippon Kumite); Noah Reader: (second place in Kata); Abigail Reader (second in Kata and third in Nihon Kumite).
